July 23, 2002: Hamas founder killed in attack (14 images)

On July 23, 2002, a laser-guided bomb fired from an Israeli F-16 hit the Gaza home of Sheik Salah Shehada, founder of the military wing of Hamas, killing him and 14 others and wounding more than 140 people. A week later, Hamas would retaliate by bombing a cafeteria in Jerusalem killing seven people, and wounding 85 others.

In this UPI file photo, the founder of the military wing of the Islamic militant group Hamas, Sheikh Salah Shehada (Left), holds a boy after giving him an AK47 assault rifle during a huge rally marking the 13th anniversary of the foundation of Hamas in Gaza City December 15, 2000. During the rally Sheikh Shehada vowed to continue with Hamas' armed struggle against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Abdelrahman Al-khateeb/UPI

Hamas militant Mahmoud el Abed is killed during a gun battle with Israeli soldiers at the Jewish settlement of Dugit in the northern Gaza Strip last night. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four others were wounded. Pictured here, Hamas militants carry the body of el Abed, during his funeral in Gaza City, Sunday, June 16, 2002. Saed Deeb/UPI

An Israeli civilian bus was blown apart during morning rush hour by a Palestinian suicide bomber in Jerusalem killing 19 and wounding more than 50. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack in response to Israeli military action that killed 5 of their members. Debbie Hill/UPI

Masked Palestinian militants from Hamas celebrate after declaring on July 1, 2002, in Rafah, that they have detained six suspected spies. The spies allegedly helped the Israeli army find and kill three Hamas members, Yasser, a leader, Bassam and Yousef Rizq. The militants promised to execute the spies after an investigation concluded. Saed Deeb/UPI

On July 23, 2002 an Israeli airsrtike targeted the home of Salah Shehadeh in the Gaza Strip, killing him and at least 15 others. Pictured here, Palestinian rescue workers clear rubble from the destroyed house. Ismael Mohamad/UPI

An Israeli soldier talks to Palestinian boys on a donkey at the Al Khader checkpoint near Bethlehem during the lifting of the Israeli military curfew, allowing the population to restock on supplies. Israeli security was on high alert after Hamas vowed revenge for the Israeli military action that killed Shehada. Debbie Hill/UPI

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.